A magnitude 7.1 earthquake shook central Venezuela this Wednesday and led the United States to issue a tsunami alert for part of the Caribbean, given the risk that the strong seismic movement could generate alterations in sea level.
The United States Tsunami Warning System activated the warning at 6:40 p.m. local time for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, just minutes after the earthquake was recorded, one of the most intense that has affected the South American country in recent years.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake had a magnitude of 7.1 and its epicenter was located in the municipality of Montalbán, in the Venezuelan state of Carabobo, about 300 kilometers east of Caracas.
Furthermore, the tremor occurred at only 13.2 kilometers deep, so it was classified as a superficial earthquake, a circumstance that usually increases the intensity with which it is perceived on the surface.
Panic in Caracas
The earthquake was strongly felt in much of the Venezuelan territory, including the capital.
In Caracas, numerous residents abandoned buildings and homes to take refuge in the streets while the seismic movement lasted, according to the first images posted on social networks.
The videos shared by citizens also reflect fallen objects inside homes, as well as scenes of nervousness among the population.
As the hours progressed, information began to appear about damages of varying degrees to buildings, in addition to power outages and interruptions in internet and telephone services in different areas of the country.
No victim information
At the moment, Venezuelan authorities have not reported any deaths or injuries as a result of the earthquake.
Meanwhile, emergency services continue to evaluate the possible damage caused by the earthquake and are closely monitoring the evolution of the tsunami warning issued for part of the Caribbean.
The earthquake is reminiscent of the one registered in August 2018 in the Venezuelan state of Sucre, which reached a magnitude of 7.3 and whose effects were felt in at least a dozen countries in the region, including Brazil, Guyana and several Caribbean islands.
